Photography by Paul Smith
salvage & sawdust co.
Meet Jack, the owner of Salvage & Sawdust Co.
loom: what got you into vintage clothing?
Salvage & Sawdust: I worked on Camden Market for years when I was about 20, I was surrounded by some amazing vintage and all different sub cultures and style influences. I loved the atmosphere and all the different styles and eventually developed a love for proper vintage clothing.
What is your background?
My background is pretty random, I’ve worked as a builder for many years, dealing antiques and making furniture in the side. I’ve also had a pretty successful streetwear brand, the combination of all of it and my determination to work for myself led to me opening my own little store. It was a dream for a long time.
When did you set up salvage & sawdust?
I have been open for 4 years now.
how do you edit your buys? are there any particular pieces that feel very 'salvage & sawdust'?
The answer to this one is simple, I buy what I like and what I think is cool. Obviously I love things with good age but I’m not a purist.
do you specialise in any particular period or type of vintage? what are you best known for on the vintage market?
I love old workwear and American vintage, biker style and trucks and stuff, I guess all that shows through, but no not really, if its cool I’ll sell it.
how do you find your pieces? do you go to markets or do people come to you?
All of the above and more, I’ll turn up to the opening of an envelope if it looked promising. I graft the whole time and hand pick every item. I love it, that’s why I do this.
who shops with you?
I honestly couldn’t pigeon hole my client base, it’s very broad. Anyone who’s into vintage and craftsmanship.
is there a particular piece that you would never sell?
Nope, I’m not an archivist I’m a dealer. Everything is for sale.
what piece would be your dream find?
Maybe the world’s oldest denim, haha, I dunno, it’s not about a particular piece really, it’s all about the thrill of the chase and then seeing someone over the moon when they take it home.
favourite place to find vintage on your travels?
I do like it when something great turns up in the last place you’d ever expect.
strangest place that you’ve bought pieces from?
Strange things are always happening to be honest, I’ve had 40s western shirts turn up at swap meets and a loft full of 60s Levi's on a council estate. I’ve drove for miles
and bought one thing and I’ve had massive hauls turn up right on my doorstep.
